Press Conference on Hurricane Georges
Print this Page- Subject(s): Service Learning, Science
- Region / Country: Latin America & the Caribbean / Dominican Republic
- Grade Level(s): 6–8, 9–12
- Related Publication: Insights From the Field
Overview
To reinforce oral communication skills, organize a "press conference" on Hurricane Georges.
Background Information
- To reinforce oral communication skills, organize a "press conference" on Hurricane Georges. For example, four students might serve on the panel, and two students might serve as the interviewers from the press. The interviewers could ask the panelists such questions as those listed above. If all four panelists are "stumped" on a particular question, the interviewers can take responses from the rest of the class. When they are responding, students must cite the source of their information, and exactly where it can be found.
- Have students research the impact of powerful hurricanes in their own country. Ask them to compare their findings with the information they have about Hurricane Georges. Have them look for evidence of the enduring understanding: Natural disasters can be tragic. However, they can bring people together, reinforce connections, and reveal surprising traits of heroism.
Procedures
Performance Task: The student will demonstrate the ability to "step into the shoes" of a Dominican citizen (e.g., child, teenager, parent, teacher, farmer, etc.) who has experienced Hurricane Georges. As if he or she were a Dominican, the student will respond to questions about the impact of the hurricane in an interview with a TV reporter. The student will also select one way to portray how he or she felt before, during, and after Hurricane Georges.
Goal: To give students the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the following enduring understandings:
- Where we live influences how we live. No matter where we live, we are all connected with each other and the world.
- Natural disasters can be tragic. However, they can bring people together, reinforce interconnections, and reveal surprising traits of heroism.
- Working together to respond to a natural disaster can unite people from diverse cultures in a common bond of humanity.
Role: You are a Dominican citizen (adult, child, parent, teacher, farmer, or teenager).
Audience: Parents and community members.
Situation: An international television network is planning a series on natural disasters and how, despite the tragedies, they can strengthen common bonds of humanity. The network is sending television reporters to the Dominican Republic. You are one of the individuals they plan to interview.
Product: Stepping into the shoes of a Dominican child, parent, teacher, farmer, etc., answer the following questions the reporter will ask during the interview:
- Describe life in the Dominican Republic. What was it like before and after Hurricane Georges?
- How did Hurricane Georges impact your life and the life of your family?
- How did Hurricane Georges impact the life of your community?
- How did people work together to deal with the devastation caused by Hurricane Georges?
- How did the international community help?
- Some say that Hurricane Georges united people from different countries and cultures in a common bond of humanity. Would you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
Your interview will take place in front of a live audience of parents and community members. You will have an opportunity to rehearse your responses with a classmate. You will receive feedback and coaching from other classmates to ensure that your responses demonstrate careful thought and thorough understanding.
Standards for Success: Your interview must meet the following standards:
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the physical and human geography of the Dominican Republic.
- Demonstrate that you have used primary source materials to formulate your answers to the interview questions.
- Demonstrate that you have empathy with what Dominicans experienced during and after Hurricane Georges.
- Demonstrate your mastery of the enduring understandings of this geography unit.
Framework and Standards
Standards
National Science Education Standards
Content Standard D: Earth and Space Science
Content Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives